The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Philly’s Main Line
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
16. Go back in time at Valley Forge National Park
- Location: Valley Forge
- Address: 1400 N. Outer Line Drive
- Tip: Pick up a free trail map in the visitor’s center
- Info on free ranger tours
Valley Forge is most famous for being site of the winter encampment of George Washington and the Continental Army in 1777-1778. During this brutal winter, hundreds of soldiers died. Besides cold and starvation, diseases like typhoid and influenza took out many soldiers.
You can read more about the history of Valley Forge via a tour (paid trolley tours and free ranger tours available) during your visit. Also on-site are over 30 miles of hiking trails. Be sure to take a walk along the paved path which leads to the National Memorial Arch. The arch commemorates the arrival of George Washington and the Continental Army. From the visitor’s center the path to arch runs about 2.5 mile and is relatively steep.
17. Get active at Norristown Farm Park
- Location: Norristown
- Address: 2500 Upper Farm Rd.
- Tip: Check out the Event Calendar
Norristown Farm Park is a 690 acre state park in Montgomery County. There are 15 historic buildings throughout the park, most built in the 18th or 19th century (the earliest dates back to 1764). This is a great place to get in some exercise as the loop around the park is the perfect distance for a jog or long walk (2.5 miles). Additionally, there are 7 total miles of trails to get lost in nature in one of the last remaining natural areas in the county. I lived pretty close to this park and enjoyed a refreshing walk/jog here several times per week.
The park offers numerous events throughout the year including 5k runs, bird walks, and guided night walks.
18. Enjoy matcha treats at A La Mousse
- Location: Narberth
- Address: 920 Montgomery Avenue
Traditional desserts are infused with an Asian touch at A La Mousse, a popular dessert cafe which started in Philly’s Chinatown neighborhood. Fortunately, this wonderful dessert cafe recently expanded to include a location in the Main Line’s Narberth community. This is the place to go for a decadent healthy dessert. Pairing a matcha green tea latte with a matcha cheesecake is definitely the way to go on your first visit!
A La Mousse offers such a wonderful selection of deserts. From a Japanese fruit crepe, to a dark chocolate Black Forest Cake, to a Coffee Cream Cake, the options are just overwhelming – everything looks to die for. Matcha infused sweets and beverages include a Match green tea milkshake, an iced match white mocha latte, and a matcha mousse cake. The presentation is wonderful – the desserts look almost as good as they taste!
19. Enjoy a quiet hike at Four Mills Reserve
- Location: Ambler
- Address: 12 Morris Rd.
If you prefer quaint secluded hiking, then you may want to plan for a walk at Four Mills Reserve. Two short trails, part of the longer Green Ribbon trail, make up about 2 miles of walkable trail at this small park in Ambler. Both trails are super serene as they follow the Wissahickon Creek. The trails are heavily lined with trees and you will see everything from red maples, to sycamore, and American elms. The best part of the trail is the fun stepping stones crossing over the creek. Overall, Four Mills is a great place for a quick easy nature stroll.
20. Bird watch at Dixon Meadow
- Location: Lafayette Hill
- Address: 548 Flourtown Road
This quaint preserve is a hotspot for birdwatching. Although the trail here is pretty short, it is a great place for anyone who loves birds. Get in a little vitamin D, a fresh workout, and enjoy birdwatching via numerous observation stations. Here is a handy little birdwatching guide detailing the various bird species you may encounter during your visit.
21. Get back to nature at Natural Lands Saunders Woods Preserve
- Location: Gladwyne
- Address: 1020 Waverly Rd.
This small park in Gladwyne is a great place to take a nature walk, bird watch, or picnic. While it’s not the best place for a lengthy hike, there exists just enough miles of trails to get in a nice workout without going all out. The loop runs about a mile and a half and features lovely views of the forest and open meadows. Great place for a birdwatching and casual walking.
